Gainbridge Fieldhouse Announces Sellout For 2023 Indy Classic
Downtown Indianapolis will be a hopping place for college basketball fans on Saturday afternoon. Tuesday, Gainbridge Fieldhouse announced that this year's Indy Classic — featuring Ball State (8-2) vs. Indiana State (9-1) and No. 1 Arizona (8-0) vs. No. 3 Purdue (9-1) — is sold out.
This season marks just the second for the Indy Classic. Previously, Gainbridge Fieldhouse hosted the Crossroads Classic, which featured Purdue, Indiana, Butler and Notre Dame. That event lasted a decade, running from 2011-21.
In the inaugural Indy Classic in 2022, Purdue defeated Davidson 69-61. Ball State took down Illinois State 83-69.
Over the summer, Purdue coach Matt Painter was asked about playing in the Indy Classic. And while he expressed excitement over the opportunity, he was disappointed the Crossroads Classic came to an end.
"Anytime you can get against quality opponents on a neutral court, that's what you want to be able to do," Painter said. "We want to keep doing that. That was something, with the Crossroads Classic, that wasn't on us. Like, even though our record wasn't great in it, I thought it was great because you're playing two quality teams in Butler and Notre Dame.
"There was some other team in that that spoiled that for everybody. Just trying to be honest. And it didn't make any sense to me."
It may not be the Crossroads Classic any longer, but it still drew a sellout crowd. Having three in-state schools and a premier showdown between Purdue and Arizona certainly helps.
Saturday's Indy Classic begins at 1:45 p.m. ET with Indiana State and Ball State. Arizona and Purdue are scheduled for a 4:30 p.m. ET tip-off.
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